The Witch's Devil (Complete)

Chapter 35, Regal Retreat

Ember's POV~

A heavy sigh leaves my lungs. I followed as Cozbi led me through the gates. Inside past the barracks and training rings, by gardens and stables, personal smithing fierce and working men, with little homes too as animals roam. All neatly placed around with care for the limited space of an elaborate castle built into and on top of a mountain.

Gothic style architecture blended well with bougie opulence, and a smidge of comfortable living. I begin feeling overwhelmed by it all. My mind is buzzing with all the thoughts and questions brewing. While my throat grew tighter, I was unable to voice them. So I just stayed quiet, walking up to the palace doors.

Conversations turned to hushed murmurs as we walked past. Most bowed with greetings to Cozbi. *So Strange," I murmured to myself. I wouldn't have thought of her as a respected member of society. Here she was, nonchalant about the way those around her respected her. It was admiration, trust, and loyalty.

Cozbi is always so full of surprises. I guess I've been misjudging her since we met.

Taking a mental note about apologizing for that later. She guides me through the large doors that shut behind me with a loud thud. Looking around, my lips parted with disbelief. The atmosphere of the world around paled in comparison to this place. Beautiful, straight out of a high fantasy novel. Rich in colors, menacing imagery while staying oddly alluring. It feels like a home. Welcome with an airy darkness to it all. Their plant life was captivating, dark stems and bodies with hued leaves and flowers.

I can definitely understand Alastor missing his home now.

These empty halls as we walk are like that of a ghost town. No servants, no guards, how peculiar. I wouldn't have thought a queen would have her home emptied. Was this all for me? Could I be a secret?! Already fuzzy in the brain, these grand walls felt as if they were closing in around me. Reining in my panic, steeling my features into that of calmness. I pulled from myself as Cozbi spoke.

"No need to panic; the queen just felt you would be more comfortable with the less of the—" she throws a graceful hand up in the air, all nonchalant in thought— "collected, or placid experience."

"Oh." My hushed tone as I still take in the environment around me.

"So only those deemed necessary are here. Most will be out of view though, sadly." Cozbi sounded so sad about it.

I don't think I've ever noticed or heard Cozbi speak so formally. She continues as if reading my mind. "Oh," is all I could repeat.

Nodding her head, her shoulders relaxed. "Yes well, mortals, especially witches like yourself tend to have a sour taste for this realm. Given the history and all that." She trailed off.

My mind is shifted towards the history of the witch trials. So many were needlessly tortured, and killed. Mostly by hanging, it seemed almost a blessing by the end of the interrogation. Corrupt officials of the church, the twisted fear-mongered innocents, feeding lies of witches' commitment to "satan." Shaking my head I wanted to move off this topic. 

"Well you don't have to worry about that with me," I forced a calm tone. "Seeing as I only learned of those as history taught through the lips of my mother."

"Ah but you see— hatred is taught not bred." Cozbi flashes a teasing smile.

I chuckle softly, "I think you meant born."

Cozbi shrugs, "tomatoes, potatoes."

"Cozbi!" I snapped. "This, whatever this is—" gesturing to all of her, "isn't the young woman I met a year ago. So what's going on?" I ask, pleading, willing her to answer.